Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is running for Senate this year, and she’s at work raising the early money, as you might expect. So she sent a four-page fundraising letter to supporters.
Even though it isn’t a secret or anything, I had wondered all along who would be the first to drag her sexuality into the race. I didn’t think it would be her, or that it would come out in a fundraising letter:
Dear Friend,
I still remember the words of the pundits and old guard political insiders. They said, “You’re too progressive. You’re a woman. And you’re a lesbian.”
When I heard comments like these, it would only strengthen my resolve to fight harder for my beliefs, no matter what the political consequences.
And when I shocked the so-called experts in 1998 by becoming the first openly gay person elected to Congress, it was a historic victory. Now, I’m beginning another historic campaign.
And I need you to be a part of it.
That’s why I’m reaching out to progressive Democrats nationwide and asking for your help – whether it’s a contribution of $35, $50 or even $100 – to support my 2012 U.S. Senate campaign in Wisconsin…
…For as long as I can remember, the Republicans and their allies on the far-right have been holding me up as the ultimate symbol of America’s moral decline. They use me as a lightning rod to rally their supporters.
And they come after me with every kind of personal attack you can imagine.
In fundraising letters and on internet message boards, my opponents pull no punches:
“I oppose your lifestyle, Representative Baldwin. It is unhealthy, unfulfilling and murderous to the male population among you and it is also well documented to be unhealthy and unfulfilling for women too.”
“Tammy Baldwin – Radical, lesbian, socialist, anti-Constitutionalist!”
“I continue to pray that Representative Baldwin will abandon her selflsh, immoral ways.”
It’s a sad commentary that slurs like these are part of the political debate. As a matter of principle, I won’t remain silent in the face of this bigotry.
Each time that I’m targeted by one of our opponents … whether it’s a right-wing politician or a so-called “family values” organization … it only strengthens my determination to campaign harder for the things that you and I believe in…
…To be an outspoken advocate for our values, I need help from Democrats like you who believe we need my progressive voice in the U.S. Senate.
Thank you so much for responding today with your contribution. I’ll be watching closely for your reply, and I look forward to welcoming you as my newest supporter.
Sincerely,
Tammy Baldwin
I still remember the words of the pundits and old guard political insiders. They said, “You’re too progressive. You’re a woman. And you’re a lesbian.”
When I heard comments like these, it would only strengthen my resolve to fight harder for my beliefs, no matter what the political consequences.
And when I shocked the so-called experts in 1998 by becoming the first openly gay person elected to Congress, it was a historic victory. Now, I’m beginning another historic campaign.
And I need you to be a part of it.
That’s why I’m reaching out to progressive Democrats nationwide and asking for your help – whether it’s a contribution of $35, $50 or even $100 – to support my 2012 U.S. Senate campaign in Wisconsin…
…For as long as I can remember, the Republicans and their allies on the far-right have been holding me up as the ultimate symbol of America’s moral decline. They use me as a lightning rod to rally their supporters.
And they come after me with every kind of personal attack you can imagine.
In fundraising letters and on internet message boards, my opponents pull no punches:
“I oppose your lifestyle, Representative Baldwin. It is unhealthy, unfulfilling and murderous to the male population among you and it is also well documented to be unhealthy and unfulfilling for women too.”
“Tammy Baldwin – Radical, lesbian, socialist, anti-Constitutionalist!”
“I continue to pray that Representative Baldwin will abandon her selflsh, immoral ways.”
It’s a sad commentary that slurs like these are part of the political debate. As a matter of principle, I won’t remain silent in the face of this bigotry.
Each time that I’m targeted by one of our opponents … whether it’s a right-wing politician or a so-called “family values” organization … it only strengthens my determination to campaign harder for the things that you and I believe in…
…To be an outspoken advocate for our values, I need help from Democrats like you who believe we need my progressive voice in the U.S. Senate.
Thank you so much for responding today with your contribution. I’ll be watching closely for your reply, and I look forward to welcoming you as my newest supporter.
Sincerely,
Tammy Baldwin
